AAA Bus Sales in Phoenix AZ

[Michael_Grumbach]

Hi Folks,

I hope everyone's enjoying their Labor Day weekend!

My wife heard about https://www.aaabussales.com/store/c2/Store.html.
They buy buses at auction, fix them up and sell them for $9K.

I thought that if they replaced the bald tires (I don't yet know if they do this or not), performed the necessary maintenance so that it will pass Phoenix AZ Vehicle Inspection, that this would be worth the time, effort and cost of finding a bus at auction, paying a mechanic to give it an inspection, calling the fleet mechanic from the previous owners to find out the vehicle history and paying someone to perform any needed maintenance, not to mention that I will be able to drive her home with out any issues.

I also think this will allow me to get a bus sooner than next summer, since they have a large and circulating inventory.

I was hoping to get a sanity check from someone.

I think this is a really good idea, but maybe some folks with more experience would be kind enough to share their thoughts.

Thank you in advance for your kind attention.

[WIbluebird]

If you want to get a bus now and don't mind paying the premium then sure, they're not a bad option.



But if you're patient and watch the auction sites you can get the same bus for half what you'd pay AAA.

[2kool4skool]

AAA is open to offers. I've done some trading with them too, easy to work with and honest.

[Michael_Grumbach]

Thank you both for your reply.
This sounds exactly like I thought, but it's great to get the confirmation.
Have a good one

[o1marc]

I suspect many of their buses come from the auction and get put on the lot with nothing more than a wash and a price increase of 100%.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by o1marc

I suspect many of their buses come from the auction and get put on the lot with nothing more than a wash and a price increase of 100%.

Maybe a little Armor All on the tire if they are feeling generous....

Another option that does not come up very often is transportation contractors. They typically sell direct and allow some kind of test drive.

I bought one from 1st Students and one of their mechanics went over the bus with me and took me for a test ride. They would not let me drive it but the mechanic knew what I wanted to see and exercised the bus well. Not quite the same as driving it myself but it did give me some confidence.

Laidlaw is another contractor you might check with.

Most of us here have been adventurous/cheap enough that we take our chances with auction buses.

Good luck.

[GWRider]

I tried the auctions and good deals can be found there but I was fortunate to purchase my Crown from a small CA school district off of Craigslist last Dec.

I heard good things about AAA but agree that you can probably get one for less off of one of the Auction sites.

[peteg59]

Any warranty from AAA?

[Sehnsucht]

No warranty but I will echo they are good folks and no b.s.ing you.

[Ranchorossa]

I went to their place a few times and had a good talk with Tony. He showed me the entire place including all of their spare parts and inventory. I had my mind set on the bus that I wanted and he just didn't have it. I waited a few weeks to see if he would get one in, but I think he was bidding on the same bus that I picked up at auction. Have heard only good things about this place. He has parts and more parts. Tires and batteries out the wazoo. Prices are very negotiable. If you buy a bus from him, he will do anything to it that you want. I wouldn't hesitate doing business with AAA.

[Tammy1029]

I purchased mine from AAA last month. Tony and his crew were amazing and very patient with me and my 5000 questions. He even took me out on a 2 hour test drive all over Phoenix. The freeways, city streets and some farm field streets. I then proceeded to drive it home 4 hours away with absolutely no problems. I paid $4500 so I'm not sure where the $9000 is coming from other than maybe newer or better condition buses. There was definitely better and definitely worse conditions. I'm very happy with my purchase.

[WayneTSB]

I did not purchase our bus from him, but Tony and his guys did do some work on ours. $200 to AAA saved me six hours on the ground under my bus in the Arizona HEAT. Incredibly helpful and far cheaper than any diesel mechanic we went to.. He'll chat with you all day too if you stick around long enough!